Using Pb isotopes in surface media to distinguish anthropogenic sources from undercover uranium sources

TL;DRAbstract

The response in elemental concentrations and Pb isotopes in various surface media from the Cigar West unconformity-type uranium deposit located at a depth of 450 m were measured to ascertain if element migration from the deposit can be detected at the surface. The media included clay-size fractions separated from the A2, B and C soil horizons, and tree cores and twigs from black spruce ( Picea mariana ) and jack pine ( Pinus banksiana ) trees. Lead isotopes were used to trace any effect on the surface media from the deposit at depth because the 207 Pb/ 206 Pb ratios in the ore are < 0.1, whereas the background values in the basin are > 0.7 and modern anthropogenic Pb from aerosols are near 0.9. The tree cores record their lowest and therefore most radiogenic 207 Pb/ 206 Pb ratios of < 0.7 near the surface projection of the deposit and associated structures, particularly in tree rings that predate any exploration and drilling activity in the area. The median 207 Pb/ 206 Pb rati

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